Dove DermaSeries Rough Patch Treatment

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Allure: April 2014 Issue

WHAT IT IS: A superthick balm for extremely dry skin

WHAT IT DOES: Treats severely dry, flaky skin, including eczema

KEY INGREDIENTS: There's a whole team of heavy-duty moisturizers in play here (dimethicone, glycerin), but the real game changer is 12-hydroxystearic acid. "This fatty acid works twice as well as stearic acid, the gold standard in replenishing skin lipids," says dermatologist Francesca Fusco. "No other brand has been able to successfully incorporate this into a cream at significant levels."

HOW IT FEELS/SMELLS/LOOKS: We won't dance around it—this stuff is thick (petroleum-jelly thick), greasy, and takes about five minutes to sink in before you can get dressed. But it works, and the fragrance-free formula won't sting chapped, irritated skin.

WHY WE LIKE IT:People with truly dry skin are accustomed to thick and greasy. And this goop delivers real results; our testers' dry patches were immediately softer and, after a week of twice-a-day applications, completely healed. "It's as good as any prescription barrier creams I recommend and a whole lot more affordable," says Fusco. "The balm builds a more resilient barrier so skin doesn't lose hydration. This product can be a lifesaver for those who complain of very dry skin."